Chapter 23: Weightless Edge
The morning sunlight was still curling between the academy’s high spires when Ethan, Kai, and Aiden stepped through the polished stone archway of the training hall.
It was the first time Ethan had been inside this section of the First-Year building—not one of the smaller sparring annexes they’d used during class, but a full-blown training arena, reinforced for independent use. It was massive—wide and domed, with carved runes glowing faintly at regular intervals across the floor. The center circle was open, glossy with spell-reinforced tiles, and surrounded by low seating steps and energy-absorption pillars at each corner. The air smelled faintly of chalk, ozone, and something floral—cleansing enchantments, probably.
He’d expected the place to be quiet.
It wasn’t.
Six other students were already inside, grouped at the far side of the room near the central ring. Four of them were sparring—or preparing to—while the remaining two stood with arms folded, watching with practiced focus. Mana already hung in the air, subtle and warm, pulsing with residual magic.
Kai immediately slowed. "Oh, great. We’ve got company."
Aiden sighed but didn’t seem surprised.
Ethan blinked. "I thought we reserved this space?"
Kai shrugged. "Technically, all triad training rings are first-come-first-serve unless booked by an instructor. We weren’t fast enough."
One of the students looked up at the sound of footsteps—and nudged the others.
Heads turned.